* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Endo Mitsuoki
遠藤光起
Description
The Life of Endō Mitsuoki
Endō Mitsuoki (real name: 仁作) was a modern swordsmith born in Niigata Prefecture in 1904 (Meiji 37). Mitsuoki began working as a blacksmith after finishing elementary school and set out on the path of sword-making through self-study.
Training and Awards
He then became a pupil of the swordsmith Kurihara Hikosaburō and, encouraged by Kurihara's high regard for his skill, devoted himself to rigorous training. Mitsuoki exhibited Japanese swords at sword exhibitions across the country and won numerous awards, including excellence prizes, special prizes, and gold medals, earning recognition for his ability. In 1939 (Shōwa 14), on the occasion of the 700th memorial festival of Emperor Go-Toba, he dedicated a Japanese sword, and he is also said to have forged a commemorative sword for Yamamoto Isoroku. He went on to dedicate swords to major shrines and temples in various parts of the country.
Mukansa Certification
In 1981 (Shōwa 56), Mitsuoki was granted mukansa status by the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords (NBTHK). Mukansa is the highest ranking in the swordsmithing world after Living National Treasure, attainable only by smiths who have won special prizes multiple times at the New Sword Exhibition (Shinsaku Meitō-ten). Having risen from self-taught beginnings to the heights of mukansa through long years of dedication, Mitsuoki left his name in the sword history of Niigata.